This week marked a thrilling chapter in the golfing world as AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open unfolded on the pristine grounds of La Réserve Golf Links, a course co-designed by Louis Oosthuizen and architect Peter Matkovich. As the ticketing partner for this prestigious Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour event, the anticipation was palpable, and the players were ready to face the unique challenges presented.
Oosthuizen, a co-designer of the spectacular links-style course, expressed his passion for links golf, emphasising the importance of shot-making and the need for diverse strategies on the course.
“I love links golf because I believe in shot-making and I feel there should be more than one way to play a golf course. With links-style golf, you’ve got to see the shot, and sometimes it’s not the prettiest shot but it’s the one that will work for you on that particular hole – a lot of shaping and just feeling your way around the golf course,” Oosthuizen remarked.
Marcel Siem, one of the few professionals to have played the course before the tournament, echoed Oosthuizen’s sentiments. Living on the island of Mauritius, Siem praised the design of La Réserve Golf Links, predicting a tough test for the players, especially when the wind comes into play.
“They’ve done a fantastic job with this golf course. It will be a tough test. I hope the wind will blow as usual in Mauritius. You have to hit some good shots here, especially when the wind blows,” Siem commented.
The challenging layout of the course, with the wind predominantly coming from the left on many holes, favors draw players. Both the fairways and greens have been meticulously crafted, presenting a formidable challenge for the field.
Defending champion Antoine Rozner shared his enthusiasm for the tournament and the unique atmosphere in Mauritius, highlighting the impact of his victory in the previous edition on his career. Rozner’s success led to a standout performance in The Open, setting the stage for the next chapter of his career, with an eye on the Majors.
Other players, including Mattieu Pavon and former champion Dylan Frittelli, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open in their careers. Pavon praised La Réserve Golf Links for its challenging layout and breathtaking views, while Frittelli credited his 2017 win in the tournament for propelling him towards bigger dreams, including securing a PGA Tour card.
As the excitement builds for this prestigious event, La Réserve Golf Links promises to be a true test of skill and strategy, providing players with an opportunity to showcase their prowess on this magnificent course. The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open continues to be a beacon for golf enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of competition and camaraderie against the backdrop of Mauritius’ natural beauty.
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